World Cup of Hockey: Canada beats Russia to advance to final

Canada exploded for three goals in the third period, pushing Russia aside for a place in the World Cup final hockey with a 5-3 victory Saturday night.

Sergei Bobrovsky Canadians held in check in the first 40 minutes, but shots of Brad Marchand, Corey Perry and John Tavares escaped his hold over a 10 minute period in the third.

Marchand also scored the tying goal late in the second after Canada fell behind 2-1. Sidney Crosby set up a pair and scored one himself.

“Every time you play in a game of this magnitude and win, it’s an amazing feeling,” said Marchand.

Carey Price made 31 saves for Canada, which will face Europe or Sweden in a best-of-three final that starts on Tuesday.

Dominant in the prelims, Canadians were by far the better team again on Saturday and remain heavy favorites of the tournament. They dominated the 47-34 Russia, maintaining control of the puck for long, heavy relay in the offensive zone. Only Bobrovsky kept close for the first two periods.

aggressively attack the defense of Russia on failure before the Canadian captain Dmitry Kulikov stripped the puck a few feet of the fold. Dekes a couple and later Crosby shoved a backhand too committed a Bobrovsky past.

“One thing that makes him a good player is his determination,” Marchand said of his teammate. “He always comes big in big games.”

If a button appears tight at the beginning, Canada controlled most of the time a penalty-filled first. The Canadians dominated 17-7 Russia won 18 of his 25 draws and completely stifled a Russian power play that has failed to score in the World Cup (0 to 11).

Russia managed one shot on a pair of power plays, with Canadians actually come up with the best opportunities shorthanded, including a pair with Brent Burns in the trigger area.

Jonathan Toews selected Evgeni Malkin and found a leak Logan Couture, his shot stopped by Bobrovsky. Later, it was Ryan Getzlaf locate Shea Weber, the explosion also turned aside by the 28-year-old goalkeeper Columbus Blue Jackets.

The power play of Canada was held off the board in the first three occasions, their best chance coming on a Steven Stamkos breath once at the end of the first.

Bobrovsky proved a difference-maker early and often. He stopped 16 of 17 shots in the first frame, continuing his scorching effort in the second.